Annual Review 2009: Leading from the front

FDF: Steered by our members

By John Sutcliffe, Chief Executive, ABF Grocery

The main thrust of our work on sustainability is encapsulated within our Five-fold Environmental Ambition, which has virtually become a brand in its own right. During 2009, a new and separate Competitiveness Steering Group was also established to take forward the progress we have made in promoting the strategic importance of our sector to the UK economy, not only in terms of jobs and wealth creation, but also as a vital contributor to our future food security.

Key to both parts of this equation is resource efficiency, providing the proof that good environmental practice makes good business sense. Our second Five-fold Environmental Ambition Progress report, published in December 2009, shows what we have already done. But the challenges which lie ahead, namely, producing more while impacting less, mean we have to raise our game still further. This will not be easy in the face of continuing commercial pressures and a wide range of Government initiatives. We are also increasingly aware that perceptions of our sector are often impacted by what happens elsewhere in the supply chain.

We are therefore reviewing our Five-fold Environmental Ambition to ensure it remains true to its objectives and is a showcase for what our members can achieve, through innovation, commitment, skill and the genuine willingness to share best practice. The resultant rise in collective standards is the hallmark of our work together.

John chairs FDF's Sustainability Steering Group